Quote:

"Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century."

(Leonard Bernstein)


Quote:

"If you're an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you're not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible."

(George Klein)


Quote:

"For a dead man, Elvis Presley is awfully noisy."

(Professor Gilbert B. Rodman)


Quote:

"History has him as this good old country boy, Elvis is about as country as Bono!"

(Jerry Schilling)

 

 

 

 


 

 

EIN E-Alert #166.........Monday 11 April 2005

Hi everyone

A little late with this edition of the E-Alert as I was away celebrating my 10th wedding anniversary in Melbourne.

Check out our great Elvis DVD competition. Courtesy of Warner Bros we have five (5) sets to give away of the 8 new Elvis DVDs being released this week in Australia (details below).

Nigel (& Piers)


Some of the items added to www.elvisinfonet.com this week:

News

  • EPE tells EIN it doesn't own rights to "Roses" song allegedly co-written by Elvis
  • Elvis By The Presleys update
  • Crying In The Chapel debuts at #2
  • Candle In The Wind - last days to pre-order at special price
  • "Elvis" in grand final of Australia's Starstruck show - vote closes today (see below)
  • Finnish Elvis fan to launch Pope tribute
  • Fight breaks out at Presley gig
  • All Shook Up cast to record album
  • Director Norman Taurog's Tickle Me shooting script for sale
  • Elvis inspired cult films selling well
  • Latest Lisa Presley news
  • Latest CD, DVD and book releases

Articles

  • Spotlight on "Elvis Is Back"
  • Elvis: Hero with a thousand faces

Reviews

  • Greg Page, Mick Gerace & TCB Band in Sydney - EIN was there!
  • In The King's Shadow (CD)

Win an Elvis 5 DVD set!

Competition - win an 8 DVD Elvis set: Courtesy of Warner Bros, EIN has 5 sets to give away of the 8 film DVDs being released in Australia on 13 April. Click to enter.

Breaking News

Elvis Special 1962 -

rare Elvis book sells

One of the world's most sought after Elvis books, the softcover edition of Elvis Special 1962 has sold on eBay for more than US$100.00. Following a recent sale in Australia of the little seen book, it was surprising to see a second copy appear on eBay. Surprisingly, only five bids were received but the $100.00 mark was reached very quickly. Many Elvis book collectors have complete sets of the Elvis Special hardback series. Released by the Elvis Monthly group, the hardbacks were published for the years 1963 to 1985 with an extra "undated" edition being published in 1977 following Elvis' death. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)


Early Elvis contract for sale

Houle Rare Books & Autographs, USA

Price: US$ 20000.00

Description: New York, William Morris Agency, January 31, 1956. Document Signed ("Elvis Presley"), New York, January 31, 1956, on William Morris Agency letterhead. Also signed by a Morris Agency representative. 1 page.

William Morris Agency letter of understanding between Elvis Presley, William Morris Agency and Colonel Tom Parker, giving Parker final approval of all contracts to be entered in to for Elvis Presley during the term of the respective exclusive agency agreement. Parker did no officially become Elvis full time manager until March 15, 1956, whereupon he received 25% of his earnings. This was later increased to 50% on January 2, 1967.

The agencies specified include: American Federation of Musicians, American Federation of Television & Radio Artist, American Guild of Variety Artist (Television), Screen Actors Guild (Theatrical Motion Pictures), General Services, General Material & Packages.

This may be the most important contract ever signed by Elvis Presley; Presley signed this contract with the William Morris Agency just as his career was beginning to accelerate. Parker had arranged for some of Elvis' appearances as early as August, 1955. He had already made his television debut on the "Louisiana Hayride" (March 5, 1955). However, he wouldn't make his major television appearance on the Ed Sullivan show until September 9, 1956 (following the signing of this major career contract).


Dress Up Elvis

Ariel Publishing, June 2005 release

Product Description: Elvis was the king of rock 'n' roll . . . and with his bellbottom pants and sequined capes, he always looked the part. This outrageously fun kit includes an Elvis figure, plastic display base, eight possible outfits, and a booklet tracing the style icon's look from the 1950s through the late 1970s, ranging from film costumes to the famous Vegas glitter jumpsuit. Viva Las Vegas! Elvis and Elvis Presley are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. c 2005 EPE.

 



"Elvis" in grand final of Starstruck: After "Elvis" won the 2005 Grand Final of the UK show, Stars In Their Eyes, another "Elvis", Anthony Petrucci, is one of the five finalists in the Australian version of the show, Starstruck. The young "Elvis" is pitted against Pavarotti, Kylie Minogue, Roy Orbison and Barry White. The Grand Final will be telecast on Saturday 16 April. Voting closes in a few hours time (23.59 Eastern Standard Time, Australia). Aussie fans can vote for Anthony by phoning 1902555802 or texting "Elvis" to 19999900. (News, Source: Chris amford/ninemsn.com)

Billboard Weekly chart update

(courtesy of www.ElvisCharts.com)

April 16, 2005

(sg - sales gainer, gg - greatest sales gainer, ne - new entry, re - re-entry)

Top Christian Albums - Ultimate Gospel down 6 to #33

Top Country Albums - Ultimate Gospel down 3 to #59

Top Pop Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1's up 7 to #39

Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1's up 1 to #7



Did you know?

  • Mario Lanza was a big influence on Elvis' musical development
  • Otis Blackwell got the title inspiration for All Shook Up after a friend fizzed up a bottle of Coke
  • In 1991, Robbie Williams said that the secret to his continued abstinence from drink and drugs was regular prayer to Elvis
  • In 1969 Elvis gave singer Roy Hamilton a song Elvis was himself supposed to record...Angelica
  • Elvis saw the James Dean film, Rebel Without A Cause more than 40 times in 1956

FTD Review:

‘One Night In Vegas’

"an essential opening night"

Elvis’ third season in Las Vegas & the excitement was still there for him. While every Elvis Opening Show captures something unique & exciting, this time the MGM cameras were also there to film every move.

The reputation of Elvis’ new live concerts had spread far & wide and not only was every ticket sold-out but showbiz celebrities were also clamouring to see Elvis in action.

The last season had been recorded for his ‘On Stage’ LP and Elvis was keen to modify the set-list adding new material as well as featuring his recent hit singles. To demonstrate just how different Elvis’ plans were, his classics ‘Hound Dog’, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ and even his recent number one ‘Suspicious Minds’ did not make the set-list of the first show!

Instead Elvis wanted to feature more challenging compositions including ‘The Next Step Is Love’ (Elvis’ only live performance), ‘I Just Can’t Help Believin’ and used his groundbreaking first single ‘That’s All Right’ to make a definitive statement as the opening number. This season was also the first time that Elvis used the Joe Guercio orchestra, which added impressive, new backing arrangements to the outstanding songs.

These new arrangements (with the help of Glen D Hardin) can be appreciated in the fullness of ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and the exquisite ‘I Just Can’t Help Believin’. While this Las Vegas season has to be well-known to all Elvis fans, we have to remember that this was the Opening Night, with Elvis as the consummate, professional performer. With the full TCB band - Ronnie Tutt was back this season - as well as the Joe Guercio orchestra the set-up would hardly vary for the rest of Elvis’ live career.

Being the first show there are some moments where the songs do feel a little unrehearsed (2 nights later, the Midnight show of August 12th is often regarded as Elvis’ best ever) but this is concert Number One and what an important show it is. Incredibly, out of the sixteen songs Elvis performed eight of them were brand new! As well as ‘The Next Step Is Love’, this was also the very first time that Elvis performed ‘I Just Can’t Help Believin’, ‘Something’, ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’, ‘I’ve Lost You’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ and ‘Patch It Up’.

Elvis sets the scene using ‘That’s All Right’ for the first time as his introductory number following it with a powerful ‘Mystery Train/Tiger Man.’ He was out there to perform to the cameras & audience and nothing was going to stop him. In a delightful aside Elvis whoops and comments, “I feel Like Johnny Cash”! Having heard & seen so many of these August concerts it’s hard to recollect just how historic and important this show really is.

As Elvis says hello, he makes the appropriate comment, “This is my third visit here. Hello you big muttha! Let me see you put that in the film!” His new single was ‘I’ve Lost You/The Next Step Is Love’ and he performs both sides here. While the arrangement of ‘Next step’ is a little rushed, it does feature some great wah-wah guitar work from James Burton, as well as an excellent orchestral arrangement.

Sadly Elvis would not attempt this song again making this is a must for any fan. Elvis introduces ‘I’ve Lost You’ as, “My new record it just came out about a week and a half ago.” This first version, while a little un-rehearsed, is still a delight. The TTWII film featured the version from 2 nights later. Elvis would continue to perform this passionate song during his first US Tour but would sadly drop it from his set-list after September.

Disappointingly the single only made #32 in the US charts but was more appreciated overseas where it made the Top Ten. ‘Words’ gets a very different, fuller orchestral treatment from the previous year and ‘Sweet Caroline’ also benefits from the power of Ronnie Tutt’s percussion making it one of Elvis’ best-ever performances of the song.

There is also a delightful, rare, moment in ‘Words’ @ 1.00 when Elvis’ voice slips off-key but manages an immediate recovery – Cute! Any version of ‘I Just Can’t Help Believin’ must be a treat but of course this is the very first and it is absolutely stunning. The audio mix is lighter than the TTWII single version, Elvis growls an immaculate, “Yeah Baby” @ 2.40 and is really into the song. There is a great delicacy & care here, and this version also doesn’t feature the harmony vocal of the single. It is pure Elvis and pure magic.

Elvis’ first version of George Harrison’s ‘Something’ is another delight. How extraordinary that Elvis’ gorgeous version of this soulful song wouldn’t be released until Aloha 3 years later. These earlier versions definitely have a more passionate & sensitive feel. ‘You Lost That Loving Feeling’ is extraordinary as the first live version. While there can be no doubt that the August 12th version (with that outstanding reprise) is the ultimate performance, this composition is just perfect for Elvis’ 1970 soulfulness.

‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’, yet another first, follows. This was a preview of Elvis’ next single release but lasting only 2 minutes it does seem a little rushed compared to the single. However when you contrast the audio mix of this concert to the Madison Square shows, the richness of the mix & orchestra makes it a treat - as it would have been for the audience. To the delight of the crowd Elvis announces, “We’re going to get dirty on you ladies & gentlemen.” While the supreme ‘Polk Salad Annie’ versions would be filmed later in the season there is still the lovely comment in the middle, “I feel like an old stripper!” Again it is great to have Ronnie Tutt back on drums.

‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ is another live first. This arrangement is beautiful and you have to consider that no one in the audience would have ever heard Elvis sing this before! To them it would still be the classic ‘Simon & Garfunkel’ song as Elvis’ record version wouldn’t be out for another 3 months. From the sensitive & touching start through to the melodramatic ending, this is an absolute stunner. The TTWII film version comes from the following night.

On this first show Elvis decided to use ‘Patch It Up’ (his soon to be released new single) as the show’s energetic finale rather than ‘Suspicious Minds.’ Being the finale Elvis seems to works harder on the call & responses than the TTWII version. The mix here is very rich & full of Jerry Scheff’s bass which also benefits the song. (Elvis only sang this song twice in concert). And with ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ that follows this classic opening night ended.

The concert itself is reason enough to make this CD an essential purchase but FTD have treated us to even more, with 5 bonus rehearsal tracks. These are taken from the (professionally recorded) rehearsals in the International Hotel’s Convention Centre that were featured in the film of TTWII. Apart from capturing the fun of Elvis yodelling, these are beautiful versions of the stage numbers but without the orchestra.

Eavesdropping on Elvis & the band as they perfect ‘Twenty Days & Twenty Nights’ as well as hearing ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ & ‘Words’ without their dramatic orchestration is a real joy.

Verdict: If there is one minor complaint it has to be that the band introductions are missing making it an incomplete show. However, since this leaves room on the CD for the delightful rehearsal tracks it is a minor quibble. The audio mix is astoundingly good which is just one more excellent reason to make this an absolutely essential FTD purchase.

Elvis says during the show, “I really can’t thank you enough for coming in to see the show.” Hearing his charming comment makes me want to thank Elvis for such an amazing season of intense concerts, as well as FTD for giving us a chance to hear this important show.

Track listing:

1. That's All Right

2. Mystery Train/Tiger Man

3. I Can't Stop Loving You

4. Love Me Tender

5. The Next Step Is Love

6. Words

7. I Just Can't Help Believin'

8. Something

9. Sweet Caroline

10.You've Lost That Loving Feeling

11.You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

12.Polk Salad Annie

13.I've Lost You

14.Bridge Over Troubled Water

15.Patch It Up

16.Can't Help Falling In Love Rehearsal Bonus songs

17.Words

18.Cattle Call/Yodel

19.Twenty Days And Twenty Nights

20.You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

21.Bridge Over Troubled Water

Click to comment on this review

 


Elvis Trivia Question

What was the name of Elvis' favorite amusement park in Memphis?

(Last week's answer: In The Ghetto or Suspicious Minds)


Contact EIN

 

piers@elvisinfonet.com ...........or........... nigel@elvisinfonet.com

 

The EIN E-Alert is a free information service from the Elvis Information Network (EIN) for Elvis fans. If you do not wish to receive future editions of the EIN E-Alert simply reply to this message with REMOVE in the subject line

 

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